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Covid-19: 4,577 Malaysians overseas brought home

KUALA LUMPUR: A complete of 4,577 Malaysians overseas have to this point been brought home by the repatriation train funded by the federal government, with contributions from political events, personal sector and people.

However, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar (pix) stated in a press release at the moment, there have been nonetheless 3,026 Malaysians reported to be nonetheless stranded in 45 nations, with the most important variety of 1,446 in India.

“Of the 3,026 stranded Malaysians, 2,016 are tourists or short-term visitors. The rest are Malaysians who are residing in other countries because of work or studies, but have made plans to return during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, they can be categorised as stranded non-critical (persons),” he stated.

Kamarudin who can be chairman of the Foreign Ministry’s Covid-19 Team stated among the many nations with a excessive variety of stranded Malaysians had been Thailand (259 individuals), Australia (152), New Zealand (149), Pakistan (144), Vietnam (131), Arab Saudi (121), Philippines (97), Sri Lanka (61) and Nepal (50).

He stated two chartered Malindo Airlines flights, OD 210 and OD 212, which brought again 344 Malaysians stranded in Chennai arrived on the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at the moment at 4.35am and 5.10am respectively.

He added that the Foreign Ministry was additionally coordinating efforts to carry again the rest of Malaysians who’re nonetheless stranded in India and 7 chartered Malindo flights are anticipated to reach on April Three to five.

“Prior to this, the Foreign Ministry and the Malaysian Consulate-General in Chennai coordinated nine Air Asia flights and two Malindo Airlines to bring back 2,361 Malaysians who were stranded in India in an effort supported by funds from the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC),” he stated.

Meanwhile, 310 Malaysian college students in Indonesia arrived home yesterday on a number of business flights and 126 extra college students are scheduled to reach at the moment at Stulang Laut, Johor, by ferry from Batam.

All returned home on their very own initiative and expense, with the cooperation of the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta and the Consulate places of work as facilitators coping with the Indonesian authorities and airways.

Kamarudin harassed that any determination to carry again sponsored college students was topic to situations within the affected nation and consideration of the sponsoring physique.

He stated efforts had been additionally being made to carry again Malaysians stranded within the Middle-Eastern nations, and discussions had been being held by Malaysian leaders with the related nations.

“Today, (Foreign Minister) Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein contacted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Salman who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia to discuss efforts to bring back our citizens stranded there as well as the welfare of Saudi Arabians in Malaysia,” he stated.

Separately, the federal government acquired 1,000 COVID-19 check package models from Brunei Darussalam, offered by Acting High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam in Malaysia, Pengiran Asnawi Arbi Pengiran Dato Paduka Hj Sharifuddin.

“The Brunei Darussalam Government was one of the first to express the intention to contribute to Malaysia in the efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Brunei contribution is also reflective of the special relationship of 36 years of diplomatic ties and the high level of commitment between the two countries as members of Asean in tackling the Covid-19 crisis,” he stated. — Bernama

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April 3, 2020
Information Department reminded to focus on government’s policies, activities

PUTRAJAYA: The Information Department (Japen) should focus on its fundamental obligation, that’s to clarify to the individuals in regards to the legal guidelines, government’s insurance policies and activities, mentioned Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (pix).

He mentioned public perspective on the division’s integrity relies upon on its skill to clarify and disseminate info to the individuals about government’s insurance policies, and the division has by no means been entrusted with the duty to defend any politician or political get together.

“I would like to remind Japen officers that in disseminating information, they must know how to differentiate between politics and official duties.

“If a politician made a blunder, it is not Japen officer’s job to clarify it. The politician will have to fix it or clarify it himself,” he mentioned after attending a particular briefing with Japen officers right here at present.

Saifuddin mentioned a cynical perspective in the direction of politics is typical in any democratic international locations, however Japen should at all times defend the federal government as all actions taken by the federal government had been for the sake of the individuals.

“Rejection towards a political party is normal, but it must not go to the extent of rejecting the government, because that would cause (political and economic) instability in the country,” he mentioned.

When requested on a further allowance for media personnel, who’re additionally the frontliners within the combat in opposition to Covid-19, the minister mentioned he had introduced the matter to the Cabinet’s consideration and was nonetheless awaiting suggestions.

“I do hope media personnel, including our information officers in the field, will be given the additional allowance. It is not my decision to make, but I did raise the matter up at the Cabinet meeting,” he mentioned. — Bernama

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April 3, 2020
WHO to accelerate action to reduce the harmful use of alcohol
The
harmful use of alcohol causes roughly Three million deaths yearly and the
general burden of illness and accidents attributable to alcohol consumption
stays unacceptably excessive. The tempo of improvement and implementation of
alcohol insurance policies has been uneven in WHO areas, and assets and capacities
for implementation of the WHO Global technique to reduce the harmful use of
alcohol 10 years after its endorsement don’t correspond to the magnitude of
the issues. On this foundation, the WHO Executive Board in its choice EB146
(14) known as for accelerated action to reduce the harmful use of
alcohol.

The Board thought of the report on the political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, notably Annex 3, entitled “Implementation of the global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol,” and the report on the findings of the consultative process on implementation of the global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and the way forward.

The Board, in its choice EB146 (14), requested the WHO Director-General, inter alia, “to develop an action plan (2022-2030) to effectively implement the Global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol as a public health priority, in consultation with Member States and relevant stakeholders, for consideration by the 75th World Health Assembly through the 150th session of the WHO Executive Board in 2022”, and “to develop a technical report on the harmful use of alcohol related to cross-border alcohol marketing, advertising and promotional activities, including targeting youth and adolescents, before the 150th session of the WHO Executive Board, which could contribute to the development of the action plan”, in addition to “to adequately useful resource the work on the harmful use of alcohol.

In response to choice EB146 (14), the WHO Secretariat will implement the following:
- March– April 2020: Commissioning of the scoping evaluate on the harmful use of alcohol associated to cross-border alcohol advertising and marketing, promoting and promotional actions, together with concentrating on youth and adolescents. Commissioning background papers for the report improvement.
- April-May 2020: Producing zero draft of the working doc for improvement of an action plan (2022-2030) to successfully implement the Global technique to reduce the harmful use with proposed important parts and parts.
- June 2020: Technical professional conferences organized by WHO headquarters to talk about zero draft of the working doc for improvement of the action plan and the content material of the technical report on the harmful use of alcohol associated to cross-border alcohol advertising and marketing, promoting and promotional actions.
- July-September 2020: Finalization of the working doc for subsequent session course of. Web-based session on the working doc for improvement of the action plan open to Member States, UN organizations and different worldwide organizations, and non-State actors. All related suggestions acquired will probably be revealed on WHO web site.
- October 2020 – March 2021: Regional technical consultations with Member States on the working doc for improvement of the action plan (2022-2030).
- March– April 2021: Development of the first draft of the action plan primarily based on the enter acquired on the working doc in the course of of the regional consultations.
- April -June 2021: The web-based session on the first draft of the action plan open to Member States, UN organizations and different worldwide organizations, and non-State actors. All related suggestions acquired will probably be revealed on WHO web site. Discussion of the first draft at the Third WHO Forum on alcohol, medication and addictive behaviours attended by technical focal factors from Member States, representatives of UN entities, civil society organizations, WHO collaborating centres, and academia. Consultation with financial operators in alcohol manufacturing and commerce on their contribution to decreasing the harmful use of alcohol inside their core roles. An casual session with Member States on the first draft of the action plan.
- July-August 2021: Development of the second draft of the action plan primarily based on the suggestions acquired on the first draft throughout the earlier levels of the session course of.
- August-November 2021: Briefings on the second draft of the action plan organized at the Regional Committee conferences. Release of the technical report on the harmful use of alcohol associated to cross-border alcohol advertising and marketing, promoting and promotional actions, together with concentrating on youth and adolescents, with a abstract of fundamental findings and conclusions out there in six languages. A proper assembly of Member States for consideration of the second draft of the action plan. Finalization of the draft action plan considered suggestions and inputs acquired from Member States and different stakeholders throughout the session course of in April -October 2021. Development and submission of the report by the Secretariat to 150th session of the Executive Board.
- January/February 2022: The 150th session of the WHO Executive Board will think about the report of the WHO Director-General containing the draft action plan (2022-2030) to successfully implement the Global technique to reduce the harmful use of alcohol.
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April 3, 2020
Buhari: An Illiterate Jubril? By Ozodinukwe Okenwa

SOC Okenwa

SOC Okenwa

“President Buhari is an illiterate, he does not know what restructuring means, he is less concerned about the future of Nigeria, he is only bothered about his cows.”— Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere Chieftain and elder Nigerian statesman.

Illiteracy is outlined by the dictionary merely as the lack to learn and write. Someone unable to learn or write might categorical themselves orally however when it comes all the way down to placing pen to paper or studying a guide or newspaper, as an illustration, their incapacity is uncovered to their disgrace. Nigeria boasts of tens of millions of instances of analphabetism particularly within the rural areas. While 1000’s graduate yearly from the colleges increasingly more numbers be part of the illiteracy class.

Analphabetism is a harmful phenomenon given the ignorance it propagates. An illiterate is as harmful to themselves as they’re to the society at giant. That is why it’s mentioned that schooling will endlessly govern ignorance! Serious-minded and well-governed societies make investments closely in schooling as a result of it ensures each improvement and the longer term.

President Muhammadu Buhari, even previous to his common election in 2015 and controversial ‘re-election’ final 12 months, had been embroiled in educational scandal bothering on his WAEC certificates. To the opposition he by no means possessed any; maybe he by no means sat for one. As a septuagenarian Buhari’s technology could possibly be mentioned debatably to have had little or no educational data, so his claims and counter-claims of the opposition concerning his academic profile are comprehensible.

Litigations over his educational qualification for the presidency lingered for years with none definitive judicial pronouncement. He had as soon as claimed that his CV was with the navy excessive command! Yet the difficulty right here just isn’t whether or not he was certified to vie for the presidency or not however whether or not he dedicated perjury by affirming what he by no means possessed.

A patriotic devoted ‘illiterate’ who demonstrated uncanny skill to offer management could also be preferable to a PHD holder who manifested crass incompetence in main a brand new technology of Nigerians. Former President Goodluck Jonathan was mentioned to be a PHD holder but his presidency was riddled with corruption and ineptitude. So the place is the educational hyperlink to sound management right here?

We usually are not advocating for a Barkin Zuwo as President right here. Sound schooling and management has one thing in widespread globally however sure elements might present an avenue for ‘divorce’ particularly within the African political context.

Is President Buhari a Jubril from Chad or Sudan? Nnamdi Kanu and his proscribed IPOB “terrorists” assume that the Buhari we knew earlier than he went for medical tourism that lasted months in London some years again had ‘died’ and was instantly changed surgically with a Jubril from Chad or Sudan. Why Sudan or Chad and never Niger or Guinea? The so-called Jubril might have come from elsewhere!

Personally this commentator has by no means believed such wild declare as a result of there was by no means any tangible proof to help identical. It may be very low cost to allege that the primary citizen of a nation was useless and chirurgically changed with a look-alike with out the key leaking in a digitally-powered world.

Telling us that proof existed within the President’s head coated all the time with cap is like asking us to replay Thomas biblically by seeing earlier than believing. Pray, how might anybody aside from the First Lady, Aisha, or the distinguished members of the infamous Aso Villa cabal ever see Buhari with out his customary cap? Or can we rent a detective to do the job for us by planting a digital camera in his toilet or bed room?

A former Head of State, former Minister and former Chairman of the Petroleum Trust “Fraud” (apology to Ray Ekpu) can’t ordinarily be mentioned to not be certified to be President, one democratically elected. When he led us by the Jackboot within the early 80s nobody of their proper senses dared questioned his educational credentials. But that’s irrelevant.

His case just isn’t distinctive in a continent the place barbarians and cannibals just like the late Idi Amin Dada of Uganda had dominated their nations ignorantly for many years. It is nothing particular in our continental political house the place the likes of ex-President Yahya Jammeh dictatorially caged the Gambians for many years; the place the likes of Dadis Camara dominated their Guinean animal kingdom.

Is President Buhari an illiterate Jubril? Or higher nonetheless, is he a glorified illiterate? A Jubril from Sudan or Chad? Well, all issues thought-about we refuse to simply accept that our President can’t learn and write if sure educational indices are utilized. He couldn’t have been as good as Prof. Wole Soyinka in class or Alassane Ouattara as President however he ‘troopers’ on taking us all down the abyss of despair.

To begin with it might quantity to uncharitable insolence to insinuate {that a} retired General who has put in a long time into the Nigerian navy service is barely educated or an outright case of analphabetism. It can’t stand any mental crucible.

You don’t rise by the ranks and file in your chosen career as an illiterate, do you? Besides, he did navy programs overseas and these research had been carried out in English and never Hausa, Fulani or Fulfulde. It is subsequently disingenuous to say that Buhari is something close to illiteracy!

The President could also be grammatically challenged; he might not be fluent sufficient, he could not possess the required presidential grit and charisma to guide an ideal nation like ours however that’s secondary in our reckoning. He could also be sluggish to taking selections and might not be conversant sufficient with world realities (Covid-19 pandemic for instance) however he has been ‘elected’ twice to offer management on the nationwide stage — though such management is manifestly missing in our embattled nation.

The President might not be used to hiring and firing as circumstances dictate however nothing much less might have been anticipated from an outdated health-challenged lacklustre chief. The cabal led by Mamman Daura and Abba Kyari might have seized the chance to avoid energy by taking presidential selections on behalf of Buhari. But, happily, the ship of state continues to be afloat, not but run aground.

SOC Okenwa

soco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr

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April 3, 2020
NHRC Warns Security Agencies Against Torture, Impunity In Enforcement Of COVID-19 Lockdown

The National Human Rights Commission has warned that the enforcement of Covid-19 lockdown directives must be carried out without torture, inhuman and degrading treatment of Nigerians.

The commission called on law enforcement agencies across the country to ensure that they carried out their duties without undue violation of the rights of Nigerians.

The NHRC in a statement by its Executive Secretary, Mr Tony Ojukwu, stressed that any act of torture, cruel inhuman and other degrading treatments should not be employed in enforcing compliance, adding that any arrest connected to the implementation of the Covid-19 lockdown directives must be treated in accordance with national and international best practices.

VIDEO: @HQNigerianArmy Assaulting Nigerians While Enforcing #Lockdown #COVID19 #Coronavirus #LockDownNigeria pic.twitter.com/lwVDlVsJkX

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) March 31, 2020

Ojukwu said, “For the purposes of clarity, Article 2 of the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading or Punishment which Nigeria is a signatory, states that “each state party shall take effective, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory under its jurisdiction.

“No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war, a threat of war, international political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture.”

The NHRC explained that it was imperative to note that an order from a superior officer or public authority cannot provide an excuse for any security personnel to perpetuate acts of torture or cruel treatment against innocent citizens.

The commission commended the efforts of the various health workers, who have exhibited professional and patriotic zeal to contain the virus and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.

Human Rights

PUBLIC HEALTH

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April 1, 2020
World TB Day 2020 Newsletter

Latest news and updates from WHO

Dear colleagues and friends,

World TB Day, this year, comes at a sobering time – as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. We stand in solidarity with those affected, those at the frontlines of the fight to combat COVID-19, as well as those who continue efforts to support
those ill with longstanding health problems like TB, HIV and other diseases. However, we cannot forget the millions and their families who battle TB every day and lose their lives to this ancient disease – which remains the world’s top
infectious killer.

As eloquently emphasized by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in his press briefing on COVID-19 yesterday, “I’d like to remind everyone that although COVID-19 is dominating the world’s attention-there is another respiratory
disease that is both preventable and treatable, but kills 1.5 million people every year – that disease is tuberculosis”

“It’s Time”, the focus for World TB Day this year is therefore on urgently accelerating the TB response to save lives and end suffering, even in times of crisis. This will be essential if we are to reach the targets and commitments made
by Heads of State at the 2018 UN High Level Meeting on TB.

We have made important strides against the TB epidemic to date.

We announced last year, that more people received life-saving treatment for tuberculosis in 2018 than ever before, largely due to improved detection and diagnosis. Globally, 7 million people were diagnosed and treated for TB – up from 6.4 million in 2017
– enabling the world to meet one of the milestones towards the United Nations political declaration targets on TB and the WHO Director-General Flagship Initiative Find.Treat.All End TB jointly with Stop TB Partnership and the Global Fund. This
has been a big win for the TB community.

WHO is working with countries to roll out important guidelines, including a comprehensive package on TB preventive treatment released today, and updated MDR TB guidelines to promote the use of all-oral regimens for patients with drug-resistant TB which
would be helpful – particularly at this point, when visiting health centers is a challenge. Furthermore, WHO has developed a note to guide and urge countries to ensure continuity of TB services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are strengthening our collaboration with civil society – more information is highlighted in the WHO Civil Society Taskforce Progress Review released today.

Youth mobilization is being ramped up through the WHO 1+1 Youth Initiative to end TB and the Global Youth Declaration to End TB. Multisectoral accountability is being promoted in countries through our framework and we have finalized a new global strategy
on TB research and innovation, that will be reviewed by the World Health Assembly.

Yet, the gains we have made are at risk – if there is any slackening of commitment and action, especially in times of crisis.

We are at a crossroads and we need to unite forces to take the path of success that will save lives and end suffering.

I was especially heartened today, to see the TB community coming together like never before. We all took our events to the virtual realm due to COVID-19 lockdowns. The WHO Online Talk Show held this afternoon, had a powerful line up of speakers that included,
TB survivors and advocates, civil society, high level government representatives, heads of agencies, researchers and partners. As of this evening we have surpassed 10,000 views on YouTube. I also participated in townhalls organized by Stop TB Partnership.
Our joint efforts have indeed ensured a continuing spotlight on those affected by TB, and clearly shows that no matter what the barrier, we can surpass it if we work together.

I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you all virtually – and recommit to champion End TB efforts till we reach the finish line.

It’s time to deliver on our promises and ensure no one is left behind.

It’s time to End TB!

Dr Tereza Kasaeva
Director
Global TB Programme
World Health Organization

World TB Day Talk Show

In the backdrop of the global battle against COVID-19, WHO organized a special online talk show to mark World TB Day 2020. The talk show had a powerful line up of speakers from among TB survivors and advocates, civil society, high-level government representatives,
heads of agencies, researchers and partners. The video was streamed live on WHO’s Youtube channel crossing over 10,000 views in a few hours. Watch the talk show video

Spotlight on TB Preventive Treatment

New WHO recommendations to prevent tuberculosis aim to save millions of lives

24 March 2020 News release

Geneva – New World Health Organization (WHO) guidance will help countries accelerate efforts to stop people with tuberculosis (TB) infection becoming sick with TB by giving them preventive treatment. A quarter of the world‘s population
is estimated to be infected with TB bacteria. These people are neither sick nor contagious. However, they are at greater risk of developing TB disease, especially those with weakened immunity. Offering them TB preventive treatment will not only protect
them from becoming sick but also cut down on the risk of transmission in the community. Read more

The full package is available below and at our World TB Day Campaign Page

WHO Civil Society Taskforce on TB: Progress Review

The WHO Civil Society Taskforce provides a platform for meaningful engagement of civil society, building on the commitment of the Director-General, with emphasis on harnessing the untapped potential in engagement with civil society and affected communities
al all levels. To mark World TB Day 2020, the Task Force has released a Progress Review highlighting key achievements since its formation in 2018.

Access link here

WHO eTB guidelines: A digital platform to promote adolopment of TB recommendations

WHO Global TB Programme / McMaster University

The WHO Global Tuberculosis (TB) Programme, in collaboration with McMaster University, Canada, is developing a smart platform to improve access to and use of all WHO recommendations on TB prevention and care. The WHO eTB guidelines platform will facilitate
the adoption, adaptation and implementation (“adolopment”) by countries of recommendations across the continuum of care. This digital platform will provide a variety of users – TB programme managers, healthcare workers including
nurses, researchers, patients and affected communities – with easy access to all essential information about WHO-s current policy guidance on TB.

The first set of recommendations on TB preventive treatment were released on this new platform on World TB Day.

WHO eTB guidelines platform

Infographic

TB and COVID-19

24 March 2020 News release

Geneva – As the world comes together to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to ensure that essential health services and operations are continued to protect the lives of people with TB and other diseases or health conditions. Health services,
including national programmes to combat TB, need to be actively engaged in ensuring an effective and rapid response to COVID-19 while ensuring that TB services are maintained. Read more

Let’s never forget: It’s time to end TB

Ksenia Schenina

Ksenia Schenina

24 March 2020 Photo story

On World TB Day 2020, the theme – “Its time” – stresses the urgency to end the TB epidemic. TB survivor and advocate, Ksenia Schenina, talks about her struggle with the disease, the persistence of stigma and the role that remembrance can play
in fighting it. Through her TB memorial project, she aims to remember those who passed away from this terrible and ancient disease. “We do it to show what kind of people they were – what kind of things they liked, what kind of music
they listened to and what their favorite movies were; if they liked fishing or dreamt of a flight to space,” she says. Read more

Commentary

To end TB, we must invest in research and innovation

24 March 2020 Commentary

If the world is to get anywhere near ending TB, a disease that killed more than 1.5 million people in 2018, something significant needs to change.

TB remains the world’s leading infectious killer and yet, in the last 50 years, only three new drugs and regimes have been developed to combat the disease. “What we need is more research and more tools in the pipeline; better diagnostics,
more effective vaccines, and safer, shorter drug regimes,” explains Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the World Health Organization Global Tuberculosis Programme. Read more

Emily: A Day in the Life of a TB Nurse

Maria Emily C. Ballesteros

Watch this story of Emily, a nurse managing the tuberculosis (TB) program of the City Health Office in Tuguegarao City. Her dream for Tuguegarao is to one day see zero TB cases and that no one dies from this infectious disease. Nurses and healthcare workers
play a critical role in TB prevention and care. It’s time to invest in them to improve healthcare for all. We thank all the nurses, midwives and healthcare workers working to #EndTB! Watch the video

Updates and messages

New research tool supports scale-up of digital technologies to End TB

24 March 2020 TDR news item

National anti-tuberculosis efforts are increasingly involving digital technologies, such as mobile applications to support treatment adherence and electronic surveillance systems that enable real-time monitoring of a country’s TB situation. Read more

World TB Day 2020: It’s Time for solidarity

24 March 2020 HIV/TB news item

At this unique time in history when the world is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes stands in solidarity with governments and communities as they seek to maintain health services
and continue to address the needs of patients suffering from HIV and tuberculosis (TB). Read more

New, shorter treatment to prevent TB to be rolled out in five high TB burden countries

24 March 2020 news item

Three-month regimen expected to prevent TB in those at highest risk of developing the disease, including people living with HIV and children under the age of five
Today, the Aurum Institute and its partners, as part of the IMPAACT4TB project, announced that five high-burden TB countries will roll out a new, shorter drug regimen (known as 3HP) to prevent TB. The announcement comes as countries around the world mark World TB Day, which takes place every year on March 24th. Countries that will initially provide the new regimen with funding from Unitaid, U.S. PEPFAR and the Global Fund include Cambodia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe. More than 120,000 patient courses of 3HP will be delivered by the project to 12 countries in 2020. An additional 1 million patient courses are expected to reach low- and middle-income countries by the end of the year, through the combined support of Unitaid, Global Fund, the Stop TB Partnership’s Global Drug Facility (GDF) and PEPFAR. Read more

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March 31, 2020
Presidential Order Not Enforceable Without Legal Backing! By Femi Falana

Following the national broadcast of President Muhammadu Buhari on the COVID-19 pandemic on Sunday, some lawyers have questioned the constitutional validity of the restriction of locomotion of people in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states. No doubt, the President is empowered to adopt any measures deemed fit to combat the dangerous disease but such measures have to be spelt out in a Regulation made pursuant to section 305 of the constitution or under the Quarantine Act. Otherwise the presidential order on restriction of movement in the affected areas cannot be enforced by the police.

Even though civil rule was restored in the country 21 years ago the psyche of the political class has not been demilitarised. Hence, decisions taken by rulers are required to be obeyed “with immediate effect” without any legal backing. But in Okafor v Governor of Lagos State (2016) LPELR-41066 (CA) the Court of Appeal called on all authorities to appreciate the need to govern the country under the rule of law. Thus, the directive of the Governor of Lagos State restricting the movement of citizens and residents during the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise was struck down because of its unconstitutionality. It was the unanimous view of their lordships that the arrest of appellant for flouting the order or directive of the governor was completely illegal. According to Georgewill , J.C.A.

“It is my view, that democracy thrives more on obeying and promoting the rule of law rather than the whims and caprices of the leaders against the lead. I find the conduct of the Respondent in not only persecuting the Appellant, yes that is what in my view it amounts to when a free citizen of this great country such as Citizen Faith Okafor, is put through the rigours of criminal process for an offence not prescribed in any written law but merely on the directive of the governor of the Lagos State. An action which if allowed to thrive in a democracy such as ours could confer on such office holders infinite, absolute and autocratic powers contrary to the clear provisions of the constitution of the land, to which both the leaders and the led are subject. I refuse to allow such autocratic, absolute and infinite powers to fester upon our nascent democracy.”

Lawyers who are saying that the law should be completely relegated to the background in combating the coronavirus pandemic reminds me of the dissenting judgment of Lord Atkins in the case of Liversidge v Anderson 1944 UKHL 1. While accusing his learned brethren of being “more executive minded than the executive”, his Lordship said inter alia:

“In England, amidst the clash of arms, the laws are not silent. They may be changed, but they speak the same language in war as in peace. It has always been one of the pillars of freedom, one of the principles of liberty for which on recent authority we are now fighting, that the judges are no respecters of persons, and stand between the subject and any attempted encroachments on his liberty by the executive, alert to see that any coercive action is justified in law.”

However. while the nation’s armed forces should be commended for making their medical facilities available to members of the public in the fight against the highly dangerous virus the plan to dispatch armed soldiers to the streets to enforce the COVID-19 guidelines should be shelved because it is illegal. For the umpteenth time, I am compelled to draw the attention of the military authorities to the case of Yussuf v Obasanjo (2005) 18 NWLR (Pt ) where Salami JCA (as he then was) held that “It is up to the police to protect our nascent democracy and not the military, otherwise the democracy might be wittingly or unwittingly militarized. This is not what the citizenry bargained for in wrestling power from the military in 1999. Conscious steps should be taken to civilianise the polity and thereby ensure the survival of and sustainance of democracy.”

In the same vein, in the celebrated case of All Progressive Congress v Peoples Democratic Party (2015) LPELR 24349 Aboki JCA held that the President lacks the power to call on the Armed Forces to restore law and order in any part of the federation without the approval of the National Assembly as provided in sections 217(2) and 218(4) of the constitution as amended. His Lordship reminded the Federal Government of its legal obligation “to confine the military to their demanding assignments especially in these trying times of insurgencies and encroachment into the country’s territories…”

Finally, just last week the satanic Boko Haram force was reported to have massacred 47 Nigerian troops and 92 Chadian soldiers in two separate attacks. In view of such enormous challenge our patriotic armed forces should concentrate efforts on the counter insurgency operations being carried out in the north east region while the police and allied security agencies are allowed to enforce the COVID-19 regulations and guidelines.

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March 31, 2020
HEDA Tells Nigerian Government To Stop Harassment Of Sowore

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has asked the Nigerian Government to stop the harassment and intimidation of SaharaReporters Publisher, Omoyele Sowore.

The group said Sowore was kept in detention amidst a rash of court orders — none of which guaranteed his freedom in recent past.

It said there were concerns in the human rights circle that in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, Sowore’s life may be at risk.

Recall that Sowore had raised the alarm over plans by the authorities to rearrest him to a military barracks where he alleged he would be tortured and infected with COVID-19.

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Sowore said he had written through his lawyers to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to inform him of plots by the Nigerian Army to detain him for revealing “classified information on SaharaReporters”.

SaharaReporters had reported that Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, tested positive for Coronavirus.

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HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, said the organisation was worried about the fate of Sowore in the light of growing lockdown occasioned by COVID-19 spread.

Suraju said the group was also touched by the recent outcry from Sowore over alleged plans to endanger his life.

Suraju said, “The Federal Government can better guarantee protection for Sowore and other citizens by issuing a stern and clear warning to officials of government to refrain from any form of political or unwarranted arrest of citizens under the current situation.

“At this period of COVID-19 pandemic, this is a difficult moment for Nigerians who are free. For those in detention, their ordeal will multiply.

“They fall into the category of those that would have been vulnerable if in detention. We are worried about precautions taken by the government to protect Sowore and other citizens from repressive actions of government officials.”

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March 30, 2020
Schistosomiasis elimination: refocusing on snail control to sustain progress
Substantial progress has been made during the past decade to prevent and control schistosomiasis (also known as bilharziasis) globally. The disease affects more than 230 million people, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Progress is mainly due to large-scale periodic treatment of affected populations with praziquantel, the only medicine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) against all forms of schistosomiasis. Regular treatment cures mild symptoms and prevents
progression to severe, chronic disease.

“Through progressive scale-up of periodic large-scale treatment
to control morbidity in many endemic countries, we are closer to
achieving the minimum target of 75% global coverage of all school‐aged
children,” said Dr Amadou Garba Djirmay, who leads WHO’s global schistosomiasis control programme. “But
if we want to achieve elimination, we must go a step further to
introduce snail control in hot spots and in areas targeting elimination.
This is bound to increase impact and accelerate progress towards
interruption of transmission.”

Expansion of treatment is largely supported by donated praziquantel from Merck KGaA of up to 250 million tablets annually. In 2018, almost 78 million children were treated, representing 63% of all school‐aged children eligible for treatment.

Transmission: role of snails

Schistosomiasis is an acute, chronic parasitic disease caused by infection with trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in poor, rural communities that have little or no access to
safe drinking‐water and basic sanitation. Infection is transmitted when people suffering from schistosomiasis contaminate freshwater sources when evacuating urine and faeces containing the parasite’s eggs.

Once an egg comes into contact with fresh water, it releases miracidia (hatchlings) which enter a snail and produce hundreds of cercariae (larvae) daily. The cercariae enter the human body on contact with the skin and develop into adult worms.

Besides treatment with praziquantel, eliminating snail hosts and improving sanitation are important methods for sustainable prevention of the disease. Dam and irrigation projects are known to be potential sites for outbreaks of the disease. Snail management,
often achieved through mollusciciding, can help to reduce transmission by eliminating these intermediate snail hosts.

Vector control

In 2017, the World Health Assembly – WHO’s decision making body – adopted resolution WHA70.16 on the Global Vector Control
Response, calling on Member States to develop or adapt national vector control strategies and operational plans. The strategy aims to reduce by at least 40% the incidence of vector borne diseases, including schistosomiasis, by 2025.

In response, WHO is reinforcing snail control as part of its strategic approach to achieve the target of eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem and, ultimately, the goal of elimination of transmission. Snail control will complement mass
treatment campaigns and sustain the public health impact of this core intervention.

To facilitate implementation of snail control, in 2019 WHO published on specific, standardized procedures and criteria for efficacy
testing and evaluation and in 2017 a manual on the use of molluscicides in the field. WHO is also planning to strengthen capacities
of health staff in medical malacology in order to reinforce snail control activities in countries.

In the past, molluscicides (particularly niclosamide¹ based products) were widely used in schistosomiasis control programmes. For example, in China programmes largely relied on snail control for over 30 years to overcome the disease as a public
health problem. In other parts of the world, however, snail control programmes were gradually discontinued and competencies faded away.

“Snail control is a crucial component of the global schistosomiasis elimination strategy,” said Dr Rajpal Yadav, Scientist, WHO Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases. “It
is time we look for new snail control products that are cost–effective
and of low risk to humans and the environment. Some efforts are being
made to explore molluscicide compounds from plants, marine algae and
microorganisms.”

An integrated control strategy involving mass treatment with praziquantel, snail control and environmental modification, wider access to sanitation and safe water, economic and environmental development, health education and poverty-alleviation can greatly
contribute to sustainable control and elimination of schistosomiasis.

WHO’s new road map on neglected tropical diseases for 2021–2030, due to be launched later this year, advocates enhanced financial and political support to achieve the target of interruption of transmission. Additional research to address gaps,
develop tools and optimize the impact of existing programmes with snail control will complement the core strategic approach.

Schistosomiasis: forms of the disease

There are two major forms of schistosomiasis – intestinal and urogenital.

Intestinal schistosomiasis usually results in diarrhoea and blood in the stool; enlargement of the liver and of the spleen and portal hypertension are common in advanced cases.

Urogenital schistosomiasis is characterized by the presence of blood in the urine. Chronic infection results in fibrosis of the bladder and ureter that can evolve to hydronephrosis and create conditions for bladder cancer.

In women, urogenital schistosomiasis can cause vaginal bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse and nodules in the vulva, a condition now described as female genital schistosomiasis. In men, urogenital schistosomiasis can induce disease in the seminal
vesicles and prostate.

¹Limitations with the use of formulations based on niclosamide include restrictions on the usage of water immediately after application and temporary toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms including
fish, amphibians and invertebrates.
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March 27, 2020
Coronavirus: Stop Wasting Testing Kits On Politicians, AIED Tells NCDC

NCDC

The Advocacy for Integrity and Economic Development has urged the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to stop wasting “limited testing kits” on political office holders and government officials.

In a statement on Thursday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Comrade O’Seun John, the organisation said the unchecked usage of the scarce testing kits for COVID-19 on government officials and politicians is appalling and a disservice to ordinary Nigerian, who deserve to be truly tested.

The statement reads, “We have noticed with utmost dismay the unending wastage of scarce testing kits for COVID-19 on politicians and political office holders at the detriment of the masses.

“We find this endeavour as a disservice to the people of Nigeria who should be the primary focus of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Ministry of Health.

“From several reports, the NCDC conducts an average of two tests on governors, senators, House of Representatives and Assembly members, Chief of Staff to the President amongst other influential figures in the country.

“These individuals have been solely responsible for the decades of decay and backwardness our health care system is facing. They stood aloof and budgeted billions of naira for frivolous expenses while the citizens suffer in penury, they do not deserve to enjoy the benefits from magnanimous philanthropists who have inconvenient themselves to help Nigerians.

“It is also on record that most, if not all, of the cases recorded or perceived in the corridors of power have been caused by the sheer refusal to submit to simple emergency protocols and checks at the airports. Nigerians should not then be the ones suffering for the ego and pride of these few ones.

“While we acknowledge that not every Nigerian will get tested for COVID-19, it is extremely important that these testing kits are kept safely for the primary use of the average Nigerian.

“The present statistics of less than 200 individuals who have received testing from the NCDC is disgraceful for a population of almost 200 million people. NCDC must channel its resources on improving the testing rates for Nigerians.

“The NCDC should leave the politicians alone and focus on Nigerians who are more in number and at a greater risk. If any politician feels the need to get tested, such politician can charter a flight to Europe, Asia or America where they get their routine medical check-up.”

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March 27, 2020